James Dolan the hockey fan excited for Stanley Cup Final

James Dolan, left, executive chairman of Madison Square Garden, Glen Sather, center, president and general manager of the Rangers, and Alain Vigneault, the newly announced head coach of the Rangers, shake hands during a news conference at Radio City Music Hall on Friday, June 21, 2013. Photo Credit: AP / John Minchillo

"Started off as a Rangers fan. I went to the old Garden," Dolan said. "We used to play hockey in my basement. We would play hockey and do the play-by-play while playing. One of us would be Marty Glickman. I've been a hockey fan a long time."

The timing of having a team play for a championship couldn't be better for the Garden, given that it comes right after they have completed a major renovation of the arena.

"It's great for the city and it affirms Madison Square Garden's place as the premier arena in the United States, if not the world," Dolan said.

Dolan admitted that he didn't have much hope when the Rangers were down 3-1 to the Penguins in the conference semifinals. In fact, he said he did not go to Game 5 in Pittsburgh. He is going to Los Angeles, however, for Games 1 and 2.

Said Dolan: "It's new ground for me. I've never had any team in the finals. I'm obviously excited, a little nervous. I don't know what I'm going to feel like when that puck drops in L.A."